Christophe Ballif

Prof. Christophe Ballif is a Professor at the School of Engineering (STI) at EPFL, leading the Photovoltaics and Thin Film Electronics Laboratory. His work focuses on advancing photovoltaic technologies, energy transition strategies, and sustainable materials. He collaborates internationally, notably with the Electrical Engineering faculty of Ljubljana, on solar energy and electronics.

Ballif has been honored with the Dr. Honoris Causa from the University of Ljubljana (2025) for contributions to science and communication on sustainability. His research bridges technical feasibility with societal impact, addressing challenges like climate change denial and promoting renewable energy policies in Europe.

Key research areas include perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and the economic viability of energy transition. He advocates for Europe’s strategic reinvestment in education and technology to counter global competition, emphasizing the role of universities in guiding policymakers.

Ballif’s recent work includes optimizing photon capture in microchannel plates, enhancing perovskite stability, and analyzing the potential of solar-PV integration in electric vehicle charging systems. His interdisciplinary approach combines material science, environmental engineering, and policy analysis to drive actionable solutions for a sustainable future.